Burning planned in all three Malheur National Forest ranger districts
By Logan Bagett on Thursday, September 24th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
JOHN DAY, PRAIRIE CITY, & HINES – (Press Release from the Malheur National Forest)
The Malheur National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations beginning as early as September 27, 2026, pending all required approvals.
We estimate this work to continue through fall as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
Prescribed fire units planned
Blue Mountain Ranger District: (September 27, 2026)
- Galena 40C & 41 are located approximately 6 miles northwest of Austin Junction along Forest Service Road 2055 and north of Grant County Road 20. (531 acres)
Emigrant Creek Ranger District: (September 28, 2026)
- Wolf A is located approximately 4.5 miles southwest of Logan Valley Interpretive site. (1,620 acres)
Prairie City Ranger District: (October 1, 2026)
- Summit 18 is located approximately 3.5 miles south of Forest Service Road 1600 (1,039 acres)
These areas may be closed to the public during operations for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.
Public land users may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. Go to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to find more detailed information about air quality. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.
We will evaluate weather conditions in the days and hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.
Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website, PNW Prescribed Fire Tracker, social media channels, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.
